Gender-Based Violence

Gender Based Violence (GBV) is violence that is perpetrated against someone based solely on their gender. GBV includes acts of violence that can result in physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering. Examples of types of violence and abuse include:

–       Physical violence

–       Sexual violence

–       Emotional and psychological violence

–       Online violence

–       Financial abuse

Violence against women and girls is one of the more prominent, but not exclusive, forms of GBV. GBV has a disproportionate impact on LGBTWQ2, gender-non-conforming people, Indigenous women and girls, women who are visible minorities, women and girls with disabilities, and seniors. In Canada, over half of all women will be affected by or be a victim of GBV in their lifetime. Women are 11 times more likely to be the target of police-reported sexual violence and four times more likely than men to experience sexual harassment in the workplace. Indigenous women are disproportionately vulnerable to this type of violence and are three times more likely than non-indigenous women to be victims. (http://natoassociation.ca/gender-based-violence-in-canada-a-case-for-concern/)

Violence can have lifelong impacts on a person’s health and well-being, ranging from physical and mental health conditions such as depression and PTSD, sexually transmitted infections, absence from school or work and social isolation.

The Government has heard and learned from a diverse group of Canadians who have experienced GBV and who are working to prevent and address it. This engagement launched a national conversation about key issues, what works and what doesn’t and what’s needed to address and, ultimately, end GBV in Canada. This is an ongoing conversation, which will inform federal actions in the future.

http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/violence/strategy-strategie/breaking-briser-en.html

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